Video Footage from Businesses Near an Accident Site

Gathering compelling evidence is key to substantiating a claim and receiving fair compensation after a car accident, and one often overlooked but highly valuable form of evidence is video footage from nearby businesses. Surveillance cameras installed at commercial establishments can provide a clear and unbiased account of the events leading up to and during the accident.

By working with an experienced Bucks County personal injury attorney, you may be able to effectively gather and utilize video evidence. If you are considering this move, act soon as surveillance footage is often overwritten or deleted after a short period.

Where to Gather Video Surveillance

Video footage from nearby businesses can be instrumental in establishing fault. For example, there may be imagery that shows clear traffic violations, such as running a red light or failing to yield. Surveillance footage can also reveal critical details that may not be evident from witness statements or police reports, such as the speed of the vehicles, the exact point of impact, and the behavior of the drivers involved.

Plus, in cases where the other party disputes your version of events, video evidence can provide an objective account, helping to counter false claims and protect your rights. To gather video footage, a range of sources can be considered.

• Nearby businesses. Retail stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other commercial properties often have exterior surveillance cameras covering parking lots, entrances, and nearby streets.
• Traffic cameras. Intersection cameras operated by local municipalities or transportation departments can provide footage of accidents occurring at major crossroads.
• Private residences. Homeowners with security cameras facing the street may also have relevant footage.

Securing this evidence in a timely manner can make a crucial difference in achieving a fair and just settlement for your injuries and losses.

If you aren’t sure how to get started, know that an experienced injury lawyer can identify which businesses or residences in the vicinity might have surveillance cameras that captured the accident. They can also formally request video footage by drafting and sending preservation letters, which legally obligate the recipients to retain the footage.

Time Is of the Essence

Most businesses and public entities do not keep video recordings indefinitely. In fact, many businesses overwrite their surveillance footage every few days to a few weeks. Municipal traffic cameras may also have short retention periods, often just a few days.

Immediate action allows your Bucks County personal injury attorney to send preservation requests before the footage is deleted. Delays in requesting this evidence can result in its loss, potentially weakening your case. Promptly obtaining video footage ensures that the details of the accident are preserved while they are still fresh and unaltered, providing the most accurate account of the incident.

Could footage from a local business be a central piece of evidence for you? Video footage from businesses near an accident site can be powerful in substantiating a car accident claim. The imagery can establish fault, clarify details, and counter false claims. Talk to the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. to learn more. Simply call 215-968-6602 for a consultation.